Fresco in Pompeii shows possible forerunners of the pizza

Fresco in Pompeii shows possible forerunners of the pizza

buried city of Pompeii reveals ancient illustration of a forerunner of the pizza

Stand: 27.06.2023 3:22 pm

The archaeologists in Pompeii have made an exciting discovery. In the event of an excavation, they came across a fresco on which a forerunner of today's pizza is shown. Although the typical ingredients such as tomatoes and mozzarella are missing, it could be a distant ancestor of the popular food.

The painting was found on a half -collapsed wall and shows a covered dough. The experts believe that pomegranate, dates and spices or even a kind of pesto are draped on it. In addition to the flatbread, dry fruits, a wreath of strawberry tree branches and a wine kitchen are located. The archaeologists assume that the fresco are gifts that were served guests at the time.

"What was shown here on the wall on an old house in Pompeii could be a distant ancestor of the modern court," explain the experts. The custom of dating guests goes back to ancient Greece and was described by Roman authors such as Virgil and Philostratus.

However, "a few of the most typical ingredients such as tomatoes and mozzarella are missing," said the researchers. The modern pizza was only invented in Naples in 1889. Since then it has become an integral part of Italian cuisine. The traditional Neapolitan pizza with basil, mozzarella and tomatoes was even included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

pompeii, an ancient Roman city at the foot of the Vesuvian, keeps spectacular archaeological finds. In 79, the city was covered by ash, mud and lava after several volcanic eruptions. In the 18th century, Pompeii was rediscovered and the preserved remains still give insights into the life of the time. The Archaeological Park is now one of the most popular sights in Italy.